Duke Robillard – Duke’s Mood (Live in Bremen 1985 / 2008)
25 songs – 169 minutes
Duke Robillard's latest release, "Duke’s Mood (Live in Bremen 1985 / 2008)," is a treasure trove for aficionados of exceptional blues guitar work. Comprising three CDs, this collection captures the maestro at two points in his illustrious career – 1985 and 2008 – delivering a spellbinding array of blues, jazz, and swing.
For those familiar with Robillard's prolific five-decade career, spanning from Roomful of Blues to The Fabulous Thunderbirds, this release is a testament to his versatility and enduring mastery. Robillard's guitar prowess effortlessly navigates the diverse realms of blues, jazz, and rockabilly, creating a sonic experience that is nothing short of extraordinary.
The first CD takes us back to 1985, featuring 11 tracks with Robillard and his band, The Pleasure Kings (Thomas Enright on bass and Tom DeQuattro). Drawing heavily from his then-recent album "Too Hot To Handle," the live renditions bring a newfound energy and rawness. The extended solos in tracks like "Duke’s Mood" and the swinging "T-Bone Boogie" showcase Robillard's ability to captivate with his guitar storytelling.
The second and third CDs feature Robillard with the Duke Robillard Band (Bruce Bears on organ and keyboards, John Ross on electric bass, and Mark Teixeira on drums). The addition of Doug James, likely on saxophone, provides a rich layer to the ensemble. While maintaining the swing and jump blues elements, the band veers towards early jazz and swing in tracks like "Swinging With Lucy Mae," demonstrating Robillard's genre-spanning prowess.
The live setting allows the band to stretch out, giving each member ample space to shine. The saxophone solos throughout, especially in "Fishnet," add a delightful layer, creating a dynamic interplay with Robillard's guitar. The blues-rock influences of 1985 make way for a more nuanced exploration of blues, showcasing the evolution of Robillard's sound over the years.
The recording quality across all three CDs is exceptional, capturing the essence of a live performance with clarity. While the liner notes lack information on the recording and engineering, the mix is spot-on, allowing every instrument to be heard with precision.
"Duke’s Mood (Live in Bremen 1985 / 2008)" is more than a collection of live recordings; it's a testament to Duke Robillard's enduring impact on the blues genre. Whether he's delivering a soul-stirring slow blues or unleashing the energy of a jump blues number, Robillard's guitar work remains unparalleled. For fans of live blues performances that showcase musicians at the height of their creative powers, this release is an absolute must-have. Duke Robillard's guitar magic is on full display, making this collection an essential addition to any blues enthusiast's library.
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